Located in the south-western coast of Australia, this expansive stretch of road is approximately 243 kilometres long, and effectively wraps itself around the coastline. It was built in the early 20th century by returning World War I soldiers to honour their fallen comrades, and also as a way to contribute to the nation’s economic development. The Memorial Arch greets you as you begin your journey on the Great Ocean Road. There, you can find a beautiful sculpture on display, made as a tribute to the fallen soldiers, and those who had died building the road by hand.
As you travel along the highway, you will come across several points of interest. One notable place is the famous Bells Beach, a haven for all surfers. It is where the longest-running pro surfing competition, Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, is held annually. Its beautiful cliff-face, complemented by the deep blue sea, makes for an amazing photo opportunity. You can even park atop the cliff and view fellow surfers honing their craft down below, riding the majestic waves.
Along the way, you will also come across the quaint inlet town of Aireys Inlet. We recommend you to make a stop here, to kick back and relax. While it is a relatively small settlement, you will be spoiled for choice in the types of activities you can engage in. From horse-riding to having a game of miniature golf, it is genuine fun for the whole family. You can also take a walk along the picturesque coast, or even canoe down Painkalac Creek in peace. Aireys Inlet really is a small town with a big personality.
Along the Great Ocean Road, you will also be greeted by the 12 Apostles, a set of limestone formations that are approximately 45 meters in height. The cliffs just behind them provide a jaw-dropping backdrop for all to see – nature at its finest. Unfortunately, several of the towering natural structures have fallen over the years due to erosion, leaving only 8 of them still standing. There is a dedicated viewing platform for you to take close-up shots of these formations, with plenty of nearby amenities also made available for your convenience.
Just mere minutes away from the 12 Apostles, you can find the famous Loch Ard Gorge. This beautiful bay features two separate rock pillars – Tom and Eva – named after the two sole survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck that occurred close by in 1878. The intense blue waters, and panoramic view, are simply breathtaking. There are also stairs and walkways provided for visitors to walk down to the gorge. Also located there is a museum detailing the history of the site, as well as a cemetery for those who had perished in the shipwreck.
Another large natural structure that you will come across is the London Arch, formerly known as the London Bridge. This beautiful geological formation is a result of erosion, which caused the bridge connecting it to the mainland to collapse. It still remains as an extremely popular tourist destination, and there are parking areas located nearby.
Perhaps the most interesting sight would be The Grotto. This multi-featured natural formation is a source of attraction for countless visitors from all over the world. It is a sinkhole that also houses a cave, an arch, and several rock pools, making it a truly wondrous locale for tourists to admire and explore. There are dedicated stairways leading from the cliff to the sea, but you can also choose to admire it from the top. We do recommend, however, checking the weather conditions prior to descending down the stairs, as rough waves from high tide may prove to be dangerous. 🙂